Master Melchior zum grauen Wolf, Provost, is from the Duchy of Bavaria in the late 16th century (or, in the modern middle ages, the Barony of Lochmere in Atlantia). He is court advisor to Duke William V on matters of communication and science. He currently resides in Heidelberg where he traveled to attend, and then to lecture, at the University.

He makes the return journey to Landshut annually to attend court but is in close communication with the House of Wittelsbach through the use of ciphers and codes. A topic which he has developed a considerable library and is willing to share his knowledge of with all who have an interest. A good cipher, after all, can’t be broken even if you know how it is supposed to work.

He enjoys practicing the sword, solving puzzles, a good book (of the martial or mathematical sciences), and sitting by Neckar with his Lady.

Melchior’s primary interests in the SCA are the rapier (martial), research of period cryptography (A&S), and generally helping out in any way that will make everyone smile a little more, with a specific focus on technology (service).

Hello! My name is Kevin. In the SCA (LINK), northern Atlantia, I am known as Melchior zum grauen Wolf. This section of my site is all about my interest in period codes and ciphers. The vast majority of the material here is just overview material. I plan to make more scholarly work available here as well but I want the website to be accessible to readers of all backgrounds.

Over my years in the SCA I have been a warranted: marshal, exchequer, seneschal, webminister, and others, but those are the ones that gave me nightmares. My first true love in the Society, after Queen and Kingdom, obviously, is the rapier. I really like to stab people. A lot. Like, a lot, a lot. But to be myopic is to lose sight of the rest of the world. I'm nearsighted so I can make that joke. :-P Over the years I've usually had my fingers in some kind of A&S pot, whether that be casting, leatherwork, fiber arts, or now cryptology. This is, however, the first time I've made a real effort to share my interest.

In the real world I deal with information and network security on a pretty regular basis. I also have a love of puzzle solving. Twisty puzzles (think Rubik's cube) are a personal favorite. So... one thing led to another and on a warm night in July, under the Carolina stars, I fell in love. Now I've decided to share that love with you, in the epistemic sense. Obviously.

Feel free to poke around and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, send your feedback. If there is something you think I'm missing. If there were something you would like to see. If there is something you really like. If there are something you really hate. Let me know. I take constructive criticism pretty well so don't be afraid to be honest.

Yours in service, ciphers, and stabbings,
- Melchior (EMAIL)